Tie Along And Within Edge Or Face Groove; E.g., Spline Patents (Class 52/586.1)
-
Patent number: 8069631Abstract: A flooring includes rectangular floorboards with long sides and short sides, the floorboards being joined in a herringbone pattern, long side to long side and long side to short side, wherein the floorboards have a surface layer of laminate, and the long sides of the floorboards have pairs of opposing mechanical connectors which at least allow locking-together both horizontally and vertically by inward angling.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
-
Patent number: 8065846Abstract: A modular construction system is made of a plurality of panels having peripheral frame elements defining a top channel, a bottom channel, and side channels. An exterior planar sheet and an interior planar sheet element enclose an inner core region that is filled with an adhesive bonding material that attaches the components together.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Inventors: Frank McDonald, Susan Novy McDonald
-
Patent number: 8061103Abstract: There are provided panel assemblies (2) for forming building structures. A panel assembly (2) comprises a panel (3) and a first connector means for forming part of a connector assembly (1) for connecting the panel (3) to a body (5). Said connector assembly (1) comprises said first connector means, a second connector means, one or more securement members (30) and optionally a link member (200). The connector means are arranged such that in use they can be positioned in a connecting configuration in which a channel is defined. The channel having an opening on a facing side of the panel (3) for receiving securement members (30) which can be located to restrict relative movement of the panel (3) and body (5). Also provided are kits for forming building structures, building structures and methods of assembling structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventor: Barry Peter McMahon
-
Publication number: 20110277414Abstract: A prefabricated wall or floor panel includes a rectangular concrete section comprising a projection along one side, a recess along the other side, the recessing being complementary to the projection, a protrusion along one end, a trough along the other end, the trough being complementary to the protrusion, channels each having one end terminated at one end and the other end terminated at the other end, a first groove on each of one end and the other end extending from one side to the other side by passing the mouths of the channels, and a second groove on either side extending from one end to the other end; a rectangular surface board formed integrally with an outer surface of the concrete section; and an interconnection comprising a transverse part of and spaced longitudinal tubes each adapted to fit into the channel to connect two adjacent prefabricated components together.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventor: Chien-Hua HUANG
-
Patent number: 8056295Abstract: Floor covering, consisting of floor panels (2), which, at least at two opposite sides (3-4), comprise coupling parts (5-6), which, in the coupled condition of two of such floor panels (2), provide for a vertical as well as for a horizontal locking, characterized in that in coupled condition, at least at the location of the aforementioned two sides (3-4) of at least two mutually coupled floor panels (2), a strip (11), more particularly a prefabricated strip (11), is present in the floor covering (1), said strip extending up to the visible side of the floor covering (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Flooring Industries Limited, SARLInventors: Mark Cappelle, Bernard Thiers, Luc Vanhastel
-
Patent number: 8046968Abstract: A multi-layer floor panel unit, which can be assembled with a plurality of similar units to form a floor which is capable of repeatedly being disassembled and reassembled at different times and/or in different locations, includes a pressure-resistant and wear-resistant upper layer; a pressure-resistant lower layer, attached to the upper layer, and having grooves at vertical edges of the lower layer; and connecting strips in the grooves, for connecting adjacent multi-layer floor panel units, the connecting strips having horizontal legs with thickened portions thereon, the thickened portions being for clamping the connecting strips in the grooves.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Inventor: Peter Kellner
-
Patent number: 8042311Abstract: Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove, which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Marcus Bergelin
-
Patent number: 8038363Abstract: A panel fastening system, especially floor panels, whose narrow sides are fitted with retaining profiles. The retaining profile of a front narrow side, the retaining profile of the opposite back narrow side, the retaining profile of a left narrow side and the retaining profile of the opposite right narrow side of a panel match each other in such a way that similar panels can be fixed to one another. The mutually matching retaining profiles have complementary hook elements that can be hooked into one another and the hook elements have retaining surfaces which hold the panels against each other when the panels are mounted in such a way that a gap-free surface is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Akzenta Paneele+Profile GmbHInventors: Hans-Juergen Hannig, Ralf Eisermann
-
Patent number: 8028480Abstract: This application describes a wall construction and method of making the same in generally a Piece-en-piece mode. A vertical mortise is provided in adjacent vertical timber members and vertical mortises are cut into the end faces of horizontal timber members expected to be placed between adjacent vertical member. When the horizontal timber members are in place the vertical mortises align and wooden or metal splines can be inserted into the mortises thus securing the horizontal members laterally while still allowing them to move vertically to account for, for example, shrinkage in the wood. By substituting a mortise for a tenon, this invention reduces manufacturing costs and reduces assembly time and costs, as each horizontal timber can be set directly into place without lifting it to the top of the upright timber members.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: David A. Loeks
-
Patent number: 8024904Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbHInventor: Hans-Juergen Hannig
-
Patent number: 8021741Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.Inventors: Hao A. Chen, Richard Judd
-
Patent number: 8006458Abstract: Vertically joined flooring material comprising floor boards (1), which floor boards (1) are provided with edges (2) which are provided with a groove (2?), a lower side (5) and a decorative top surface (3). The floor boards (1) are intended to be joined by means of separate joining profiles (10). All edges (2) are provided with one groove (4) each, which grooves (4) are arranged parallel to its respective edge (2). The joining profiles (10) are provided with lips (11) arranged in pairs, which lips (11) each are intended to be received by the groove (4) of a floor board (1) guiding and fixing adjacent floor boards (1) horizontally. The joining profile (10) is provided with a central cheek section (13) which is comprised by a first and a second independently resilient cheek (13? and 13? respectively).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Pergo AGInventors: Ola Olofsson, Göran Mårtensson
-
Patent number: 8008402Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and one or both of: (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, or (C) polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Jennifer K. Lynch, Thomas J. Nosker, Richard Lehman, James D. Idol, Kenneth Van Ness, Richard W. Renfree, Maryann Renfree, legal representative
-
Patent number: 7987641Abstract: An integrated module frame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
-
Patent number: 7984599Abstract: Fasteners, and related methods, for securing deck boards to a support joist are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a base portion and a cap portion on the base portion. In some embodiments, the base portion includes an opening formed therethrough for receiving a securing device, and legs extending from an upper surface of the base portion and between edges of adjacent deck boards to define a spacing between the adjacent deck boards. The cap portion can include an opening for receiving the securing device therethrough to secure the fastener to the support joist. In addition, the cap portion may include legs extending around the base portion and comprising teeth extending therefrom that bite into grooves formed in the edges of the adjacent deck boards when the securing device secures the fastener to the support joist, thereby securing the deck boards to the support joist.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Building Materials Investment CorporationInventors: Denby Snell, David DeRogatis, Steve Kiso, Scott Rega, David Porter, Scott Nowatzki, Dave Fancher, Greg Zimmerman
-
Patent number: 7980041Abstract: Floor panels with a flexible tongue in an insertion groove, the flexible tongue is designed to cooperate, in a connected state with a tongue groove of another panel, the panels are adapted to be locked together by vertical folding, the flexible tongue has a projection portion which, in a connected state projects outside the insertion groove and cooperates with the tongue groove, said projecting portion has a bevelled and/or rounded sliding surface and the panels have a sliding surface adapted to cooperate therewith during vertical folding, the flexible tongue during the vertical folding is displaced twice in the horizontal direction, a first displacement is effected by the vertical folding of the fold panel whereby at least a part of the flexible tongue is bent, a second displacement of the flexible tongue towards its initial position is accomplished substantially by a spring effect caused by said bending of said flexible tongue.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Niclas Håkansson, Per Nygren
-
Patent number: 7980033Abstract: Reinforcing system for retrofitting wall to increase the ductility and resistance to shear forces of a gypsum board wall to a level comparable to plywood-sheathed wall. Fiber-reinforced polymer panel is attached to substantially cover surface of gypsum board to protect it against rupture in earthquake. Reinforcement is enhanced by fiber anchors installed along base of wall and door frames. Optional connector strips tie together door and window frames to prevent separation from wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Fyfe Co. LLCInventor: Edward R. Fyfe
-
Patent number: 7975451Abstract: The invention relates to panels (1, 2) that can be interlinked without using glue. In the interlinked state of the panels, a cord (3) runs along the upper side of and between the panels. Said cord widens downwards and rests on the upper side of a spring (5) that forms the coupling element of a panel. The widening is preferably asymmetric. The inventive panels especially allow to provide a wall covering or a ceiling covering in an especially simple manner. The cord consists of a compressible material and prevents water from entering the gap between the panels. The design also compensates for effects related to expansion and shrinkage.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Kronoplus Technical AGInventors: Christian Leopolder, Maik Moebus
-
Patent number: 7954295Abstract: A locking system for mechanical joining of floorboards. For horizontal mechanical joining there is a projecting portion with a locking element which cooperates with a locking groove in an adjacent board. A tongue-and-groove joint for vertical mechanical joining has cooperating upper abutment surfaces and cooperating lower abutment surfaces which are essentially parallel with the principal plane of the floorboards and of which the lower abutment surfaces are positioned essentially outside the outer vertical plane, i.e. displaced relative to the upper abutment surfaces. The tongue is movable at an angle into the groove and the locking element is insertable into the locking groove by mutual angular movement of the boards about the joint edges.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
-
Publication number: 20110126486Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain said grooves for receiving portions of said top into said grooves; and, (c) at least one compressive element located on aid device, with at least a portion of said at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from said imaginary center line and way from said vertical support member, wherein said compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under predetermined compressive force.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2010Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventor: Harry W. Eberle, III
-
Publication number: 20110126487Abstract: The invention provides snap fit pultrusion housing elements for joining structurally insulated panels suitable for housing and shelter construction. The housing elements include a pultruded panel body member having at least one edge, and a pultruded snap lock fitting on the edge adapted for fastenerless engagement with a complementary fitting on an adjacent panel body member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventors: Raymond Browning, James M. Dombroski
-
Patent number: 7908816Abstract: Disclosed is a device for connecting and locking building boards comprising a top face (10) and a bottom face (11), especially floor panels (1, 2) that are provided with a core made of a wood material as well as a groove (3, 4; 5, 6; 18, 19) on two opposite lateral edges (I, II). Said building boards further comprise an insert (7; 8; 9) that is used for locking and can be inserted into the groove (3 or 4; 5, 6; 18, or 19) of one of the lateral edges (I, II). The boards (1, 2) are connected by displacing the boards in an essentially horizontal direction (Q) towards each other. The inventive device is characterized in that the insert (7; 8; 9; 17) is provided with at least one springy lip (7a, 8a; 9a; 17a) which extends towards the top face (10) or the bottom face (11).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Kronotec AGInventors: Thomas Grafenauer, Matthias Lewark
-
Patent number: 7908812Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring device for joining three boards. It includes a substantially flat horizontal top element having a top view configuration which includes two sides and has a first predetermined width as measured wide to side at its maximum width between the two sides. There is at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element along an imaginary center line and extending downwardly from the top element for a predetermined length, which has two sides and a second predetermined width as measured at its maximum width. There is a substantially flat horizontal bottom element with two sides and has a third predetermined width at its maximum width. The first predetermined width is greater than the second predetermined width and the third predetermined width, and the third than the second. The invention also includes a decking system utilizing the anchoring device.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventor: Harry W. Eberle, III
-
Patent number: 7896571Abstract: A panel fastening system, especially for floor panels. The floor panels are fitted with retaining profiles on their edges, whereby the retaining profile of a front edge and the retaining profile of the opposite back edge and the retaining profile of a left edge and the retaining profile of the opposite right edge of a panel match each other in such a way that similar panels can be fixed to one another. The mutually matching retaining profiles have complementary hook elements that can be hooked into one another and the hook elements have retaining surfaces by means of which the panels are held against each other when mounted in such a way that a gap-free surface is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1999Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Akzenta Paneele + Profile GmbHInventors: Hans-Jurgen Hannig, Ralf Eisermann
-
Patent number: 7882666Abstract: A prefabricated building component, e.g. for incorporation in a wall, a floor, a roof or another building component, comprises a frame formed by lengths of lumber with heat insulating foam material provided in spaces between the lumber so as to form a heating insulating barrier. To reinforce the frame against racking forces, a reinforcement sheet of fiber reinforced composite material is provided on the barrier and the lumber at least one side of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Meho Karalic
-
Patent number: 7874113Abstract: The present invention is an anchoring biscuit device for joining three boards. It includes, (a) an at least partially flat horizontal top element having an imaginary center line, having opposite side walls, and having a top view footprint adapted to be inserted into grooves of adjacent boards; (b) at least one substantially vertical support member attached to the underside of the top element and extending downwardly therefrom for a predetermined length for joinder of two adjacent boards which contain said grooves for receiving portions of said top into said grooves; and, (c) at least one compressive element located on aid device, with at least a portion of said at least one compressive element, from a top view footprint, being located away from said imaginary center line and way from said vertical support member, wherein said compressive element is adapted to at least partially collapse under predetermined compressive force.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Harry W. Eberle, III
-
Patent number: 7866098Abstract: An integrated module fame and racking system for a solar panel is disclosed. The solar panel comprises a plurality of solar modules and a plurality of splices for coupling the plurality of solar modules together. The plurality of splices provide a way to make the connected modules mechanically rigid both during transport to the roof and after mounting for the lifetime of the system, provide wiring connections between modules, provide an electrical grounding path for the modules, provide a way to add modules to the panel, and provide a way to remove or change a defective module. Connector sockets are provided on the sides of the modules to simplify the electrical assembly of modules when the modules are connected together with splices.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Andalay Solar, Inc.Inventor: Barry Cinnamon
-
Patent number: 7866110Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element 15 in a locking groove 14 which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
-
Patent number: 7861473Abstract: A system for framing a porch using concealed fasteners and concealed or partially-concealed framing elements on support posts. The framing elements have a small cross section, generally shaped like the letter C with a slot on one side and a spline groove in one of the opposing corners. The framing elements are attached to a support post by screwing plural, spaced-apart buttons into the posts and then snapping the button heads into the slot of the framing elements. The framing elements may be applied to the surface of the posts or, because of their small size, may be put into grooves formed in the sides or corners of the posts and concealed on one or more sides by trim boards.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Marhaydue, LLCInventor: Guerry E. Green
-
Patent number: 7861482Abstract: A locking system for a floor panel includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a third connecting device. The first connecting device includes a combination lock including an upwardly directed locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove. The combination lock further including a flexible tongue in a displacement groove. The displacement groove and the flexible tongue of the combination lock are configured to cooperate with a tongue of a third connecting device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo
-
Prefabricated composite wall panel and method and apparatus for manufacture and installation thereof
Publication number: 20100325993Abstract: A prefabricated composite wall panel has a desired exterior finish defined by thin finish elements of brick, stone or any other suitable material and is adapted for mounting to the wall structure of a building framework by screws or other suitable fasteners. During panel manufacture thin wall finish elements are positioned at predetermined sites within the mold and aligned by alignment members in a pattern defining grout spaces. A grout placement screed having multiple holes arranged in a desired mortar pattern is positioned on the thin finish elements and pulverulent grout is deposited through the holes of the screed and into spaces between the finish elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventor: Joel W. Bolin -
Patent number: 7856784Abstract: Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are preferably made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Pergo AGInventor: Goram Martensson
-
Patent number: 7854100Abstract: Floor panels (2) are shown with a discontinuous surface (31) layer and core (30), which are mechanically connectable to each other along one pair of adjacent edges, said floor panels comprising at least two floor elements (1, 1?), which are connected with glue.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo, Mattias Sjöstrand, Tony Pervan
-
Patent number: 7849654Abstract: Flooring blocks which can be easily joined to each other and removed have a square-shaped main body and have, on the sides of a square-shaped main body, concave portions and convex portions. In the block main body, block main body side pin insertion paths are perforated along the sides on which the concave portions are formed, and in the convex portions, convex portion side pin insertion paths are perforated. In the block main body side pin insertion paths, pin main bodies of lock pins are inserted slidably between joining positions and housed positions, and the block main body side pin insertion path is partially formed into an open groove opened to the block main body surface, and the open groove is provided with a first lateral groove and a second lateral groove, and block main bodies adjacent to each other are joined to each other by sliding the pin main body of the lock pin in a state that the concave portion and the convex portion are engaged with each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Alinco IncorporatedInventors: Kazuo Ban, Tomoyuki Tani
-
Patent number: 7849638Abstract: A sunshade for mounting to a building structure has first and second extruded outriggers spaced apart from each other and louvers extending from the first outrigger to the second outrigger. The first and second outriggers have an elongated body, an upper leg extending from an upper portion of the elongated body, and a lower leg extending from a lower portion of the elongated body. The outriggers of adjacent sunshades face each other such that the upper legs face each other and the lower legs face each other. A pocket is formed between the adjacent outriggers. The outriggers also have a mounting notch at an end which is mounted to the building structure. The outrigger notch engages a hook on a sunshade anchor mounted to the building structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: YKK Corporation of AmericaInventors: Richard Braunstein, Don Pangburn, Terry Carespodi
-
Patent number: 7845135Abstract: The present invention relates to a window frame. According to the present invention, there is provided a window frame, which comprises: a frame unit having a pair of side jamb frames for defining both side ends of the frame unit, an upper jamb frame for defining an upper end thereof, and a sill frame for defining a lower end thereof coupled to each other to have a rectangular frame shape, the frame unit having at least one receiving groove formed in an outer wall surface thereof along a length direction thereof; and corner angles coupled to the frame unit to surround the outer wall surface of the frame unit at corners thereof, each of the corner angles having a concavo-convex portion to be received in the receiving groove, the corner angle having at least one rib protruding from an outer wall surface thereof along a length direction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Inventor: Peter Sibbett
-
Patent number: 7845140Abstract: Floorboards for mechanical joining of floors in a herringbone pattern and in parallel rows with horizontal connectors which on the short sides have cooperating locking surfaces which are designed differently from the cooperating locking surfaces on the long sides.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
-
Publication number: 20100269443Abstract: Interlocking tongue and groove floor and wall panels use multiple bonded sheet construction, preferably three sheets, of material, such as plywood, bonded together Other rigid durable sheet materials may be used. The shape is preferably either square or rectangular. By offsetting the middle sheet layer so that two adjacent sides extend beyond the top and bottom layers which are in registration, a tongue is developed on two adjacent sides while the opposite sides will have grooves. Thus such panels can be used to cover a large floor or wall area using normal tongue-in-groove techniques by fitting the protruding tongues into the grooves of adjacent panels In an alternate embodiment, the middle sheet is smaller in size than the top and bottom sheets which are in registration. The middle sheet is centered within the top and bottom sheets thus forming grooves on all four edges.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: Ziming Shen
-
Publication number: 20100257808Abstract: The invention relates to a surface covering system, and, more specifically, to an improved linear surface covering system. The improvement includes each plank of the system having multi-directionally cut grooves. The improvement further includes clip projections which conform substantially to a notch formed by the multi-directional grooves. The system also includes an improved splice plate for stabilizing two adjacent planks positioned in end-to-end relation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventors: Nathan J. Baxter, Eric Krantz-Lilienthal
-
Patent number: 7805903Abstract: A locking system for floor boards comprises a plurality of floor boards and a plurality of locking devices. Each floor board has two tongues on one lateral side and another tongue and a locking groove on the opposite lateral side. The floor board also has two grooves on its bottom side. The locking device has three protruding gripping extensions. Few locking devices are placed on each floor board before the floor boards are sent to a job site. At the job site, two adjacent floor boards are assembled together by inserting the tongue of one board into a space defined by the locking device and the tongues of the adjacent board. The tongues are further secured in place by compression of flexible buffers located at each protruding gripping extension.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: David C. Liu
-
Patent number: 7795329Abstract: Modular plastic structural composites having a web section disposed along a horizontal axis and at least one flange section disposed along a horizontal axis parallel thereto and integrally molded to engage the top or bottom surface of the web section, wherein said composite is formed from a mixture of (A) high density polyolefin and (B) a thermoplastic-coated fiber material, polystyrene, or a combination thereof. Composites molded in the form of I-Beams and bridges constructed therefrom are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Rutgers, the State University of New JerseyInventors: Thomas Nosker, Richard Renfree, Maryann Renfree, legal representative, James Kerstein, Louis Simon
-
Patent number: 7788871Abstract: A flooring includes rectangular floorboards with long sides and short sides, the floorboards being joined in a herringbone pattern, long side to long side and long side to short side, wherein the floorboards have a surface layer of laminate, and the long sides of the floorboards have pairs of opposing mechanical connectors which at least allow locking-together both horizontally and vertically by inward angling.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Tony Pervan
-
Patent number: 7770350Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Unilin Beheer B. V., besloten vennootschapInventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
-
Patent number: 7763345Abstract: A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Mannington Mills, Inc.Inventors: Hao A. Chen, Richard Judd
-
Patent number: 7757452Abstract: Floorboards (1, 1?) are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system consisting of a separately machined locking strip (6) which is mechanically joined with the floorboard (1), the locking strip (6) being designed for mechanical fixing to the floorboard (1) by means of a joint, which is operable by snapping-in and/or inward angling, and the locking strip (6) being designed to connect the floorboard (1) with the essentially identical floorboard (1?) by at least inward angling. Moreover, a locking strip, a strip blank, a set of parts for making a floorboard and methods for manufacturing a floorboard and a locking strip, respectively, are shown.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
-
Patent number: 7752822Abstract: A framing member has a first structural member being made from a first resilient material with the first structural member having a base portion and a first flange arm portion at an end thereof. The first flange arm portion is connected to the base portion and the base portion has a curved notch. The curved notch is adjacent to the first flange arm. The framing member has a second flange extending from the curved notch with a second insulating material contacting a portion of the first flange arm, the base portion, the second flange, and the curved notch. The second insulating material prevents heat transfer through the framing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Kysor Panel SystemsInventor: Fred L. Minelli
-
Patent number: 7735288Abstract: Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Unilin Beheer B.V., Besloten VennootschapInventors: Stefan Simon Gustaaf Moriau, Mark Gaston Maurits Cappelle, Bernard Paul Joseph Thiers
-
Patent number: 7721503Abstract: A locking system for a floor panel includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a third connecting device. The first connecting device includes a combination lock including an upwardly directed locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove. The combination lock further including a flexible tongue in a displacement groove. The displacement groove and the flexible tongue of the combination lock are configured to cooperate with a tongue of a third connecting device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventors: Darko Pervan, Christian Boo
-
Patent number: 7716896Abstract: Floorboards with a format corresponding to a traditional parquet block for laying of mechanically joined floating flooring. Rectangular floorboards include a surface layer and a core with two long sides and two short sides, for making a floating flooring, which floorboards are mechanically lockable and which along their four sides have pairs of opposing connectors for locking similar, adjoining floorboards to each other both vertically and horizontally wherein the long sides have a length not exceeding 80 cm and the short sides have a width not exceeding 10 cm.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation ABInventor: Darko Pervan
-
Patent number: 7677005Abstract: A joint system having a flexible spring located in a horizontal groove of a panel, the spring having an inner flexible part and being displaceable horizontally in the groove.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Valinge Innovation Belgium BVBAInventor: Darko Pervan